Bookshop's Favorite Graphic Novels for Kids

Enlighten Me is a story about one kid’s experience with discrimination and bullying as well as a concise encapsulation of some of the central stories of the Buddha. Writer Minh Lê vividly captures the internal monologue of a boy struggling with some deep existential woes, and artist Chan Chau illustrates Bình’s development through excellent and expressive framing. This book is perfect for a kid who is curious about mindfulness, meditation, and the basics of Buddhism.  —ISAAC

Atana has never left her island, as the world isn’t safe for merfolk like her. But after Ren, a firebird, flies over her home, the two embark on a journey to explore Earth together. Arriving on another island ruled by a powerful Witch Queen, Atana and Ren uncover more about their pasts and fight to keep each other safe. As the first part of duology, this graphic novel is terrific for fans of Studio Ghibli movies and Avatar: The Last Airbender.  —ANDREA

When a Mexikid (a kid born in the US to Mexican parents) goes on a family trip to Mexico in the 1970s to bring his abuelito back home to Watsonville, California, hilarity ensues. This fun but sensitive journey for a very large, close-knit family is full of border crossings, fireworks, chilaquiles, primos, mariachis, and stories of the Mexican Revolution. Pedro Martin’s graphic memoir is about family history, identity, and “finding your grito.”—Noreen

Milo gets sent down into his family’s new basement to retrieve a missing sock, but the basement is much deeper and stranger than he could’ve imagined. Lurking in the dark is a creature bent on foiling Milo’s quest. As always, Hatke (of Mighty Jack fame) creates vivid artwork. Filled with twists, turns, and a lot of heart, this story is sure to satisfy newer graphic novel initiates’ thirst for horror without being scary enough to need the nightlight. —Ivy

When July Chen, a twelve-year-old girl who can see ghosts, rescues William Xiao, the two kids learn that their pasts are eerily connected. Years ago, one of them wasn’t supposed to survive and now otherworldly beings are trying to restore that imbalance. Remy Lai brings a light-hearted goofiness to a spooky subject with this story of friendship and the power of being remembered. Great for kids who like ghost stories, but don’t want anything too scary.—Alana

Magic lights up the night as both skateboards and broomsticks race toward movies and malls. In this graphic novel, monsters and friendship go hand-in-hand, leaving us to question what’s scarier—nearly being killed or just being ignored? Moss Lawton’s sharp work on shows like Invader Zim and Monster High is wonderfully evident in both story and art in this fun/ny entry into the spooky teen genre, proving (as so many of us know) that Halloween is the best season. —Jocelyn

An unforgettable true story of two Somali brothers living in a refugee camp in Kenya. Separated from their mother, Omar tries to find hope through education. He also cares for his younger brother who has a seizure disorder and can't speak. Through hope, love and resilience, the author paints a powerful picture of refugee life. — Noreen

Drago, a kid vampire, has been living a life of bliss alongside their two friends—until their old master returns and asks them to find her spellbook or they'll be turned into worms! Throughout the graphic novel we get glimpses of each of the character's origin stories intertwined with their thrilling adventures in search of the book. Perfect for fans of humorous graphic novels with spooky elements and the power of friendship.

—Andrea C.

Mamo weaves together magic, nature, grief, romance, adventure, and complex family relationships all in one beautiful story. It follows Orla, a witch who must return home after her grandmother passes, and Jo, who quickly bond with Orla after enlisting her help. This book captures all the magic of a Studio Ghibli film with its own unique style. I immediately fell in love with it! 

—Alana

Shiga's newest offering to the comics world, a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style medieval fantasy graphic novel, allows for hours of absorbing fun as the reader navigates puzzles, mazes, and clever design to defeat the legendary Leviathan. Shiga has created a panacea for all those harried parents of video-game addicted children. This comic plays just like an RPG and is bound to feel as satisfying when completed. — Yves